MALBOG SULFURIC HOT SPRING RESORT: A THERAPEUTIC DESTINATION WE MUST ALL TRY

MALBOG SULFURIC HOTSPRING RESORT: A THERAPEUTIC DESTINATION WE MUST ALL TRY

Malbog Sulfuric Hot Spring Resort or “Mabaho” is located at the foot of the mountain in Brgy. Malbog, Buenavista, Marinduque. The hot spring has sulfur content popularly used for skin care and treatments. Despite its rotten-egg like foul, many locals and tourists visit this place for body relaxation and healing of skin conditions. Some are even bringing home bottles of sulfuric water.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Many believed that this sulfuric hot spring was discovered during the Spanish period. It is a spring of sulfuric water coming from Mt. Malindig which was later on developed to be a resort for everyone.

As stated on marinduquegov.blogspot.com, the water was once upon a time sold in Manila to cure dysentery or externally applied for skin ailments. It was also documented that soldiers suffering from dysentery during the American occupation were transported to Buenavista to be cured by the sulfur spring. It was also published in 1903 in the Philadelphia Medical Journal by Dr. T.H Weisenburg, surgeon in the U.S, those patients with acute and chronic cases of dysentery were “made to drink the sulphur water exclusively and given a bath in the sulfur spring every morning.” Improvement was quickly noticed and eventually all were cured.

MALBOG SULFURIC HOT SPRING EXPERIENCE

During my visit, only one big chest-deep pool is being used. Btw, I’m only 5’2” tall making the resort non-swimmer friendly. The water was bluish-white, and the sulfur was evident. It continuously flows and runs from the walled and round spring of water, going to the pool, and up to the small stream. Low-maintenance, ayt?

The warm water was really relaxing on the skin and the body. I felt a bit of prickly sensation on my face and foot. I believe it was the sulfur taking effect on my acne and wound that time.

Its water really stinks. They say that the smell can stay on your hair and body for as long as 3 days. Yes, even with lots of shampoo and lotion! Now, that’s something to consider (really) gross! What I did? I tied my hair, and didn’t dip my head under the water. I also wore rashguard so the smell won’t stick much into my skin. It works!

I really enjoyed my visit in Mabaho. It’s a therapeutic yet perfect place for relaxation, swimming and bonding with our family and friends. It has so much potential for the tourism of the town and the province.

The sad part is…some areas were dirty. Moss and sulfur are floating on the water of other pools and streams. Some can be used for swimming if only they were clean. The resort doesn’t have lightings making it not available for a night swimming or an overnight stay. There are rooms intended for accommodations, which costs Php 300 only, but are not managed.

Hopefully, this underrated destination will be well-taken care of, and soon be known by everyone. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination which deserves attention and appreciation.

HOW TO GET THERE PLUS EXPENSES:

We hired a trike for only 30 pesos (two-way trip) each. It’s a 10 minute ride from our place in Brgy. Caigangan, and a 3-5 minute ride from bayan. The entrance fee is Php 10 for children below 12, and Php 25 for an adult. Unlike me, please don’t forget to ask and get a receipt. We need to make sure that fees are being remitted to the municipal government. Cottage is Php 100. Since we have few belongings, we were allowed to use a cottage for free.

They say that the resort will soon be renovated for better facilities, a bigger tourist destination and a more beautiful place to visit.